As Black History Month unfolds, the spotlight shines brightly on numerous historical figures who have shaped the narrative of the African American experience, from activists like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks to cultural icons such as Maya Angelou and James Baldwin. However, reflecting on the past, it is equally important to recognize the current wave of leaders emerging from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These alumni are breaking barriers and redefining what leading in today’s society means.
From entertainment to politics to technology to social justice, HBCU graduates exemplify the spirit of resilience and innovation that has long been associated with these institutions. They are taking on previously thought unattainable roles and proving that excellence for the Black community is an aspiration and a legacy. Today’s HBCU alums include CEOs, award-winning artists, political leaders, and entrepreneurs who continue to uplift their communities while paving pathways for future generations.
Among this trailblazing group are notable figures like Kamala Harris, the former United States Vice President and a proud graduate of Howard University. Harris’s historic ascension reflects the kind of transformative leadership that HBCUs cultivate. Meanwhile, other illustrious alums, such as Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion from Texas Southern University and NBA player Chris Paul from Winston-Salem State University, showcase the vibrant culture and talent that these institutions nurture.
As the legacy of Black excellence continues, we want to highlight 36 remarkable alums currently making significant impacts in their respective fields.
36 Notable HBCU Alumni Making an Impact Today
Leadership
Kamala Harris (Howard University) – Vice President of the United States (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.)
Tamara Bates (Philander-Smith University) – Director of Community Engagement for Tennessee Democratic Party (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.)
Kamau Marshall (Texas Southern University) – Former Senior Advisor for Kamala Harris (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.)
Andres Martin (Howard University) – Founder/Executive Director of HBCU Night
Entertainment
2 Chainz (Alabama State University & Virginia State University) – Rapper
Megan Thee Stallion (Texas Southern University) – Grammy-winning rapper
Wale (Bowie State University) – Rapper
Anthony Anderson (Howard University) – Actor (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.)
Metro Boomin (Morehouse College) – Hip Hop producer
DJ Envy (Hampton University) – Radio personality & entrepreneur
Lance Gross (Howard University) – Actor & Photographer (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.)
Woody McClain (Florida A&M University) – Actor
Towanda Braxton (Bowie State University) – Reality TV star (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.)
Demarco Morgan (Jackson State University) – Good Morning America co-host (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.)
Valeisha Butterfield (Clark Atlanta University) – Media Mogul & Philanthropist
Ray Cunningham (Virginia State University) – Media Trailblazer, HBCU Advocate & Community Leader (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.)
Pretty Vee (St. Augustine’s University) – Comedian
Dominique Da Diva (Virginia State University) – Syndicated Radio personality for UrbanOne (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.)
Jawn Murray (Norfolk State University) – Executive Producer of The Sherri Show
Eva Marcille (Clark Atlanta University) – Model, actress & businesswoman
Jahliel Thurman (Virginia State University) – HBCU advocate & host of Aspire’s YardTalk (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.)
Phil Thornton (Norfolk State University) – TV/Music producer (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.)
Javicia Leslie (Howard University) – Actress
Kenya Barris (Clark Atlanta University) – TV/Film writer
Ashley Calloway (Spelman College) – Talent manager/TV Producer (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.)
Affion Crocket (Fayetteville State University) – Comedian/actor
Darren Brand (North Carolina A&T) – Comedian
Sports
Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State University) – Former NFL player & podcast host
Chris Paul (Winston-Salem State University) – NBA Player
Ayesha Williams-Holiday (Jackson State University) – WNBA player
J.R. Smith (North Carolina A&T) – Former NBA player turned HBCU golf champion (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.)
Joshua Williams (Fayetteville State University) – NFL Player
Bryan Cook (Howard University) – NFL Players for Kansas City Chiefs
Entrepreneur
Pinky Cole (Clark Atlanta University) – Founder of Slutty Vegan & entrepreneur (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.)
Jerry Lorenzo (Florida A&M University) – Designer (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.)
Jermon Williams (Livingstone College) – Co-Founder of Think Broccoli LLC & Broccoli City Festival (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.)
This list is just the beginning.
HBCUs have a broad influence, and we are proud to recognize so many trailblazers who continue to amplify our voices.
Who are some other HBCU alumni you admire? Let’s continue giving our schools their well-earned flowers!
